After a leisurely morning cruise through several locks, we arrived in Les Andelys. This village was developed during the construction of Gaillard Castle under Richard the Lionheart. Construction began in 1197 and was completed in 1198. Over 6,000 workers and craftsmen worked tirelessly to achieve such a feat. The construction crews were not slave labor, but received a wage for their work. Our visit took us on the footsteps of King Richard. Richard spent a huge amount of the taxpayers money on this castle. The fortress was meant to impress King Philip Augustus of France and prevent him from invading Normandy. King Richard saw his castle completed, but died a year later when he attacked the castle Chalus, near Limoges. He was wounded in the shoulder by a crossbow and died 13 days later. Three years later, King Augustus launched the French conquest of Normandy. After a 7 month blockade, Castle Gaillard was stormed and taken.
Those of you who may not be all that familiar with King Richard, think back to your early years when Robin Hood was on T.V. Robin Hood, Little John, Maid Marian, Friar Tuck, the Sheriff of Nottingham, Sherwood Forest and King Richard.
A pleasant day, followed by another great meal, with music and dancing in the lounge with our Captain leading the way.
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| King Richard's House |
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| Manny, Sue, Pat, Larry,Linda |
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| Manny, Sue (I think the walking stick was just for visual effect) |
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| Hiking up to the castle |
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| John made it to the top |
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| Entering the lock |
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| Tight squeeze |
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| Les Andelys |
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| Larry, Pat |
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| Blanchard, first aviator |
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| view from castle |
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| Sue, Larry |
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| Pat |
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| Les Andelys |
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| view from river |
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| Who's driving the boat? |
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